Definition

An acronym for 'Democrat In Name Only'—a politician registered as Democratic whose voting record or beliefs align more with conservative principles, making them out of step with their party's base.

Example Usage

The senator's opposition to healthcare reform made progressives view him as a DINO.

Source: Urban Dictionary (https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=DINO&defid=9627882)

Related Terms

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third rail

A political issue so controversial and dangerous that touching it means instant career death, named after the electrified rail that powers subway trains. Social Security reform is the classic example that politicians approach like it's literally radioactive.

🏛️ Government / Politics
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challenger

The underdog who dares to face off against the current champion or incumbent, armed with optimism, ambition, and usually less money. In politics and sports alike, challengers are the ones trying to dethrone the establishment, often by promising everything short of world peace. They're betting their reputation on the belief that people are ready for change—or at least tired of the current titleholder.

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staffer

The unsung operational force keeping government, campaigns, and institutions running—the person with the spreadsheet, the coffee addiction, and the institutional memory. Staffers do the unglamorous work of actually implementing what their boss gets credit for.

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polytician

A verbose person who talks constantly and says almost everything in a misleading or dishonest way; basically all words, no truth.

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spin room

The designated area after debates where campaign representatives tell media why their candidate clearly won, regardless of what actually happened. Reality's editing suite.

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Pundit

A political commentator who confidently predicts outcomes they have no special knowledge about, generating outrage and ratings in equal measure.

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